JUNE 2015 -- Fiat Chrysler agreed to pay largest fine ever from NHTSA, submit to three years of oversight of recalls, buy back half-a-million vehicles and offer financial incentives for repair of 1 million Jeeps

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will pay up to $105 million in fines and penalties to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, submit to oversight and buy back nearly half-a-million of the vehicles it has recalled, penalties issued Sunday for the auto company’s lax attitude toward addressing safety issues in millions of its vehicles.

NHTSA said it was concerned about slow completion rates on recalls the automaker announced, slow or inadequate notifications to consumers, faulty approaches to fixing the safety issues and improper actions by dealers.

The penalty, the largest ever issued by the regulatory agency, reflects a tougher approach to automotive regulation in the wake of high-profile recalls last year by General Motors and airbag supplier Takata. It comes less than a month after NHTSA held a hearing to present evidence of Fiat Chrysler low recall completion rates for more than two dozen recall campaigns covering 11 million vehicles.

“Today’s action holds Fiat Chrysler accountable for its past failures, pushes them to get unsafe vehicles repaired or off the roads and takes concrete steps to keep Americans safer going forward,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement. “This civil penalty puts manufacturers on notice that the Department will act when they do not take their obligations to repair safety defects seriously.”

The order requires Fiat Chrysler to pay a $70 million cash penalty and spend at least $20 million on meeting performance requirements included in the consent order. The automaker could be required to pay another $15 million if an independent monitor discovers additional violations

NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind was appointed in December by U.S. President Barack Obama with a mandate from Congress to crack down on the auto industry.

“Fiat Chrysler’s pattern of poor performance put millions of its customers, and the driving public, at risk,” NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind said. “This action will provide relief to owners of defective vehicles, will help improve recall performance throughout the auto industry, and gives Fiat Chrysler the opportunity to embrace a proactive safety culture.”

The fine announced Sunday tops $70 million fines and penalties assessed against Honda Motor Co. in January for lapses in recalls of air bags made by Takata Corp. NHTSA said that penalty was a result of Honda’s failure to report 1,729 death and injury claims to NHTSA between 2003 and 2014.

In addition to the penalties, the order requires FCA to:

■ Offer to buy back more than half a million vehicles with defective suspension parts that could cause the vehicle to lose control. The vehicles, mainly Dodge SUV and Ram pickup trucks, were built between 2008 and 2012. The consent order does allow Fiat Chrsyler to repair and then resell the vehicles it buys back from the current owners. The automaker declined to provide an estimate on Sunday of the potential cost of its obligations beyond the civil penalties.

■ Offer owners of more than a million Jeeps Cherokee that are prone to deadly fires to trade their vehicle in for above its market value, or receive a financial incentive to get a trailer hitch installed for additional protection.

■ Agree to work with an independent monitor approved by NHTSA for the next three years. The monitor’s job will be to assess, track and report the company’s recall performance.

An independent monitor, while unusual, is not unprecedented. On July 9, NHTSA announced that Forest River, an Indiana-based maker of recreational vehicles, agreed as part of a consent order to pay a $35 million civil penalty as well as an independent monitor to conduct periodic audits of the company’s safety practices.

Fiat Chrysler, in a statement on Sunday, acknowledged that some of its recall processes and procedures have fallen short.

“We also accept the resulting consequences with renewed resolve to improve our handling of recalls and re-establish the trust our customers place in us,” the company said in a statement. “We are intent on rebuilding our relationship with NHTSA and we embrace the role of public safety advocate.”

The automaker’s statement on Sunday reflects comments made recently by CEO Sergio Marchionne, who said the automaker has been slow to change its practices in a new, tougher regulatory environment.

“We have to continue to work with the agency to put us on the right path,” Marchionne said.

The order comes just two days after Fiat Chrysler was forced to issue a recall notice for 1.4 million cars and trucks so it can beef up the software in the vehicles and protect them from cyber-security attacks. That recall was prompted from a story published last Tuesday by Wired magazine that showed how two security experts were able to remotely hack into and take control of a Jeep Cherokee.

Fiat Chrysler also said Saturday it would recall 667,406 Ram trucks in North America to prevent the inadvertent deployment of side-curtain air-bags. The automaker said some of the pickups for 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500 and 2500 pickups may be set to deploy at low thresholds. The company said it is aware of two potentially related injuries, both described as minor, but no accidents.

NHTSA’s investigation into the automaker’s slow recall completion rates was prompted by Fiat Chrysler’s slow handling of a recall covering 1.56 million Jeep Cherokee and Liberty SUVs for model years 2002-2007 for the Liberty and 1993-1998 for the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep SUVs have rear-mounted fuel tanks that NHTSA says are more prone too fiery rear-end collisions than SUVs made by other automakers.

The automaker agreed to recall Jeep SUVs in June 2013 and install tow hitches on them to provide additional rear end protection. But it took more than a year before the automaker was ready to conduct any of the repairs and only about 21% of the SUVs were repaired as of May 31.

The automaker frequently points out that it can be difficult to convince customers to respond to recall notices when many of the vehicles are more than 10 years old. In May, Fiat Chrysler said its dealers have more than 60,145 trailer hitches on their shelves and an additional 314,254 are in warehouses ready to be shipped.

The automaker also has taken steps to beef up its ability to quickly react when it identifies a safety issue. Last August, FCA appointed Scott Kunselman to the newly created position of senior vice president for vehicle safety and regulatory compliance. Kunselman reports directly to Marchionne.

In its statement Sunday, Fiat Chrysler said, “It has agreed to address certain industry objectives, such as identifying best practices for recall execution and researching obstacles that discourage consumers from responding to recall notices.”

Owners of vehicles who have questions about the recalls can call the company at 1-800-853-1403.

A list of the 23 Fiat Chrysler recalls that NHTSA investigated can be found here: http://www.safercar.gov/rs/chrysler/index.html

Owners of any vehicle can look to see what, if any, recalls apply to their vehicle by entering their vehicle identification number at this NHTSA Web site: https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/

JULY 2015 -- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems. Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from ttp://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

JULY 2015 -- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate. Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

JULY 2015 -- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring. This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 19, 2015. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.go

MAY 2015 -- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, SRT8, Dodge Charger and Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2010 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the driver or other occupants. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

OCT 2014 -- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat. If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 5, 2014. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

MARCH 2014 -- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 5500 trucks manufactured August 14, 2013, through January 7, 2014. The certification label has the incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 567 "Certification Regulations." If the Certification Label has the incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all existing certification labels with corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2014. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P07. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

NOVEMBER 2013 - Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks. The left tie rod assembly may break. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a new left tie rod assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49. This recall supersedes tie rod recall 10V657. Vehicles that were previously remedied under recall 10V657 are also affected by this campaign. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov..

NOVEMBER 2013 - Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering linkage and install a new left tie rod assembly, as needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62. This recall supersedes Chrysler tie rod recall 11V350. Vehicles that were previously remedied under recall 11V350 are also affected by this campaign. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

NOVEMBER 2013 - Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a new left tie rod assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N63. This recall supersedes tie rod recall 10V657. Vehicles that were previously remedied under recall 10V657 are also affected by this campaign. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

NOVEMBER 2013 - Chrysler is recalling about 1.2 million Ram trucks to fix front-end problems that could lead to steering troubles.

The company announced three recalls on Friday. It wants to inspect the trucks and says only 453,000 will likely need repairs.

Chrysler said Friday in a statement that it knows of six crashes and two injuries involving the 2008 to 2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks that are being recalled, and one crash with no injuries from the other recalled models.

The trucks are being recalled because tie-rod ends in the steering system may have been installed improperly, which Chrysler says stemmed from technicians misinterpreting instructions. Those tie-rods could be out of alignment, which Chrysler says can lead to steering failures.

The company has since updated the instructions and the parts involved.

The first case covers 842,400 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from 2003 through 2008. Chrysler says 116,000 were repaired with tie-rods in the steering system that could be out of alignment.

The other two involve trucks with tie-rod assemblies that were replaced in previous recalls. They cover 294,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the 2008 through 2012 model years, and 2008 Ram 1500 four-by-four mega cabs. Also included are 43,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 four-by-four chassis cabs from 2008 through 2012.

Customers will be notified by letter in December, and work could begin in January, the company said. Owners of Ram 4500 and 5500 models can take their trucks to dealers for interim repairs because parts may not be available until late next year, the statement said. The interim service would involve realignment of the front ends.

Chrysler said about 968,000 of the affected trucks are in the U.S., with another 157,000 in Canada, 37,100 in Mexico and 18,000 from other countries.

OCTOBER 2013 - Chrysler said Tuesday it was recalling 10,800 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups to upgrade software that controls instrument illumination. It said most of the trucks were still at dealerships.

The automaker said it was unaware of any associated accidents or injuries with any of the problems, and will update the software free of charge.

AUGUST 2013 - Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012. Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there may be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels. An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N50. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

AUGUST 2013 - Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, through the end of model year 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier, the front drive shaft may fracture and result in a loss of motive power and damage to surrounding components if the shaft continues to spin. Damage to other components, or sudden loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin late September 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N26. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

AUGUST 2013 - Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N33. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

JUNE 2013 - Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

APRIL 2013 -- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover. The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2013. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov

JULY 2011 -- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4X4, manufactured from February 14, 2008, through March 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4X2, manufactured from February 14, 2008, through March 28, 2011; and model year 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4X4, manufactured from February 14, 2008, through August 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part, during normal service. This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required, and perform a front-end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 11V-350

NEWS: Chrysler recalls 286,000 pickup trucks to fix steering

YAHOO NEWS -- July 17, 2011 – Chrysler Group LLC will recall about 286,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks because of potential problems with tie rod assemblies that may increase the risk of a crash, the automaker and U.S. safety regulators said on Wednesday.

About 243,000 of the recalled trucks are in the United States. Of those, about 74,000 have already received service on the tie rod assembly, the NHTSA filing said.

Chrysler recalls 286,000 pickup trucks

Also, about 35,000 pickups in Canada will be recalled as well as some 2,750 in Mexico and 5,700 in other countries.

A Chrysler spokesman said there have been a few crashes and at least one minor injury as a result of the issue.

The vehicles "may experience a fracture of the left tie rod stud," Chrysler told the NHTSA. "This condition tends to occur during low-speed parking lot type maneuvers when the (driver) is making a left turn."

This may result in the "loss of directional stability" in the left front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash, Chrysler said.

Chrysler said the risk is highest when making a sharp, 90-degree turn.

Chrysler has not yet determined when customers will get letters alerting them to the recall.

JANUARY 2010 - Chrysler is recalling model year 2010 Chrysler Sebring; Dodge Avenger and Nitro; Jeep Liberty, Commander and Grand Cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 Dodge Ram truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip. This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash. Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2010. Chrysler's safety campaign number is J37. 10V-009

(Yahoo News) –-Jan 19, 2010 -- Chrysler Group LLC will recall 24,177 vehicles due to a potential defect in a brake system that could result in sudden brake failure, the automaker said in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall applies to 2010 model-year Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Nitro, and Jeep Liberty, Commander and Grand Cherokee SUVs, as well as 2009-2010 model year Dodge Ram trucks.

In some of the vehicles, the clip retention tab on the brake pedal pin was improperly formed, or not installed, during the manufacturing process, Chrysler said. That could result in brake failure without warning and could cause a crash, the company said. Chrysler said it was unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. Chrysler said the safety recall is expected to begin during the month of January.

MARCH 2009 -- Chrysler is recalling 507 MY 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks heavy duty cab chassis with manual transmission and power adjustable pedal package. The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder may separate from the master cylinder. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed, which could result in unintended vehicle movement. Increased stopping distance and engine stalling may occur increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009 Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. 09V-078

JANUARY 2009 -- Chrysler is recalling 32,865 MY 2008-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with Powers and Sons steering linkage. The steering linkage drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud may fracture. Also the steering linkage damper attaching the bracket may yield and shift on the linkage. This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the steering linkage drag link inner tie rod end assembly, and inspect the steering linkage damper bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before February 16, 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. 09V-005

OCTOBER 2007 -- Chrysler is recalling 564 MY 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 cab/chassis pickup trucks equipped with an optional 23 gallon fuel tank. The fuel tank straps were improperly manufactured and could separate. This can cause the fuel tank to loosen and leak fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire. Dealers will replace the fuel tank retention straps and fasteners. The recall is expected to begin during November 2007. 07V-472